Eid ul-Fitr

Eid ul-Fitr or Id-Ul-Fitr is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Eid is an Arabic word meaning 'festivity', while Fitr means 'to break the fast'. Muslims celebrate 'Eid ul Fitr on the first day of Shawwal.

Id-Ul-Fitr is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the Islamic calendar and it occurs after the sighting of the new crescent moonwhich signals the end of the month of Ramadan.

On the day of the celebration, a typical Muslim family awakes very early, does the first everyday prayer, and is required to eat a little, symbolizing the end of Ramadan. For the children who kept their first fast, their Eid is special.

Eid ul-Fitr is a joyous occasion with important religious significance, celebrating the achievement of enhanced piety. It is a day of forgiveness, moral victory, peace of congregation, fellowship, brotherhood and unity.

Eid ul-Fitr is a unique festival. Id-Ul-Fitr is a great day of festival for Muslims. It is a day of rejoicing and being happy.

Eid ul-Fitr

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Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic: عيد الفطر ‘Īdu l-Fiṭr‎), often abbreviated to Eid, is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting (sawm). Eid is an Arabic word meaning "festivity", while Fiṭr means "to purify"; and so the holiday symbolizes the purification after completing the fasting month which is after the end of the Islamic month of Ramadan, on the first day of Shawwal.

Eid-ul-Fitr Salat (Namaz) is a wajib salat of two raka'ah[1] which is generally offered in an open field called Idgah. This salat should be performed with Jama’at with an extra six Takbirs[2], three of them in the beginning of the first raka'ah and three of them just before ruku' in the second raka'ah.[3] Eid ul-Fitr lasts for one day of celebrations (yet, is celebrated for two or more in some counties) and is sometimes also known as the "Smaller Eid" (Arabic: العيد الصغير al-‘īdu ṣ-ṣaghīr‎) as compared to the Eid al-Adha that lasts three days (or more) following the Hajj and is casually referred to as the "Greater Eid" (Arabic: العيد الكبير al-‘īdu l-kabīr‎).

Muslims are commanded by the Qur'an to complete their fast on the last day of Ramadan and then recite the Takbir all throughout the period of Eid.

Common greetings during this holiday are the Arabic greeting ‘Īd mubārak ("Blessed Eid") or ‘Īd sa‘īd ("Happy Eid"). In addition, many countries have their own greetings based on local language and traditions.

Typically, Muslims wake up relatively early in the morning—always before sunrise— take a shower (Sunnat Eidulfitri) and ablution, wear new clothes(if possible), go to the mosque for Takbir and Subh prayer.

It is recommended to have a small breakfast (as a sign of not being on a fast on that day) of preferably the date fruit, before attending a special Eid prayer (salah) that is performed in congregation at mosques or open areas like fields, squares etc. Muslims are encouraged to dress in their best clothes (new if possible) for the occasion. No adhan or iqama (call) is to be pronounced for this Eid prayer, and it consists of only two rakaʿāt. The Eid prayer is followed by the khutbah (sermon) and then a supplication (dua) asking for forgiveness, mercy and help for all living beings across the world. The khutbah also instructs Muslims as to the performance of rituals of Eid, such as the zakat.[5] It is then customary to embrace the persons sitting on either side of oneself, whilst greeting them. After the prayers, people also visit their relatives, friends and acquaintances

Islamic tradition

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting of Ramadan. This has to do with the communal aspects of the fast, which expresses many of the basic values of the Muslim community. Fasting is believed by some scholars to extol fundamental distinctions, lauding the power of the spiritual realm, while acknowledging the subordination of the physical realm

Philippines

The Philippines, with a majority Christian population, has recognized Eid ul-Fitr as a regular holiday by virtue of Republic Act No. 9177 and signed on November 13, 2002. The law was enacted in deference to the Muslim-Filipino community and to promote peace among major religions in the Philippines. The first public holiday was set on December 6, 2002.

Evanescence

Imortal New Teaser on ABS-CBN 2

Top 10 nursing board passers (July 2010 exam)

Top 10 Nursing Board Exam Passers July 2010
List of Topnotchers

1.RAYAN ABOGADO OLIVA ATENEO DE NAGA 86.80

2.AILEEN ANCANAN AUSTRIA DE LOS SANTOS-STI COLLEGE, INC.-(DELOS SANTOS S.N.) 86.40

3.ALLYCE JOANA TOLEDO DE LEON UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 86.00
ANNA VANESSA ANG GAN UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 86.00

4.ALYSSA LEONILA DELA SILVA GUIAM CENTRO ESCOLAR UNIVERSITY-MANILA 85.80

5.CHARMAINE CAMACHO GAUIRAN REMEDIOS TRINIDAD ROMUALDEZ MEMORIAL SCHOOL 85.60
VIDA THERESA SIBAYAN GUMANGAN SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY 85.60
ABIGAIL DIAZ ICASIANO ARELLANO UNIVERSITY-MANILA 85.60
WEENA MARIE BORDEOS LIM UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 85.60
JOHN JOSEPH MAYO MONTALBO FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY-MANILA 85.60
JAN MICHAEL GABIONZA ONG OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY-VALENZUELA 85.60
JOAN DIOQUINO TEJADA REMEDIOS TRINIDAD ROMUALDEZ MEMORIAL SCHOOL 85.60

6. ZYRUS RONN SAMSON BERNASOR OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY-VALENZUELA 85.40
ROUCHEL ANNE MAÑEZ BRIONES UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-MANILA 85.40

7. PETER JAMES BONGOLAN ABAD UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-MANILA 85.20
MERJORIE MAY MALICAY ADOLFO CEBU NORMAL UNIVERSITY (CEBU STATE COLLEGE) 85.20
CLARENCE JOY LOZADA CUSTODIO SAINT JOSEPH COLLEGE-CAVITE CITY 85.20
NICO PAULO MANIAGO DIMAL ANGELES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION 85.20
KRIS RAY ARCELO DUMAGUIN VELEZ COLLEGE 85.20
STELA JOY RAMIREZ ENGADA WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY-LA PAZ 85.20
JAN CHRISTIAN GOMEZ FELICIANO UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 85.20
JOSE PAOLO JULIAN GALEON TARLAC STATE UNIVERSITY (TARLAC COLLEGE OF TECH.) 85.20
PAULO KRISTOFFER LUMBA MACASINAG DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY-HEALTH SCIENCES INSTITUTE 85.20
JOY ANN ACIERTO TAN NOTRE DAME OF DADIANGAS COLLEGE 85.20
EMER JOY TAPIC VALE UNIVERSITY OF BOHOL 85.20

8. HANA KIRSTIE SAN MIGUEL ABELLO UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-MANILA 85.00
KEA TENA CAPIO UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 85.00
ANA FRANCESCA CABALLERO CENTENO UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 85.00
GRACE CECILE WE CO UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-MANILA 85.00
MICHAEL PRINCE NOTORIO DEL ROSARIO LORMA COLLEGE 85.00
ROUELLA CHRISTINA MARTIN FAJARDO UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 85.00
JOE MARI ABELLA FLORES CEBU NORMAL UNIVERSITY (CEBU STATE COLLEGE) 85.00
DONNA MAY SISON FRONDA SAINT JOSEPH COLLEGE-CAVITE CITY 85.00
RENAN JAMES SACE LIM UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 85.00
ROMINA TAN MANALOTO OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY-QC 85.00
MARIAN SHERYL FLORES MILO SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY 85.00
MARIA KRISELDA PEREZ ROSALES LYCEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES UNIVERSITY-BATANGAS,INC 85.00
CRISTINA GAN SATIADA CHINESE GENERAL HOSPITAL COLLEGE OF NURSING & LIBERAL ARTS 85.00
LAURENCE LESTER GAMBOA TAN UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 85.00
ELISE CARA KAW TENG TRINITY UNIVERSITY OF ASIA (TRINITY-QC) 85.00
MARIE KATHRINA TORRALBA TOJONG UNIVERSITY OF THE VISAYAS-MANDAUE CITY 85.00
JAYLYN GABRILLO VILLAFANIA SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY 85.00

9. JAMELA MONTOYA ARCILLA FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY-MANILA 84.80
CZARINA MYRNELLI MAMORE BUENAFE NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY 84.80
ARCEL TIATCO CABIGTING ANGELES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION 84.80
ELAINE KATRINA SIGALAT CALA UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 84.80
JULIE ANN DEL ROSARIO CLARIN UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 84.80
ANCEL RIVERA DE GUZMAN HOLY ANGEL UNIVERSITY 84.80
ELEANOR DELOEG DELA PAZ SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY 84.80
RIA LEAH OROPESA ESPORLAS UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM DALTA-LAS PIÑAS 84.80
ELAINE MEDINA LAPAAN SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY 84.80
A NICO NAHAR IDRIS PAJES ATENEO DE ZAMBOANGA 84.80
ANA JESKA SANA PEÑARANDA WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY-LA PAZ 84.80
JAN ROLAND CASINTO POMUCENO NOTRE DAME OF DADIANGAS COLLEGE 84.80
ANGELINE VILLAREY REMPILLO OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE COLLEGES 84.80
NICAEL DELA CRUZ SALAZAR PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG PASIG 84.80
FERIE ANGELICA YVAN SORIANO SILVINO FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY-MANILA 84.80
IVY BARRETE SUSVILLA CEBU NORMAL UNIVERSITY (CEBU STATE COLLEGE) 84.80
KARA DENEICE SANTOS TUERES OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY-VALENZUELA 84.80
ACE BRIAN SAMANIEGO VERALLO OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY-VALENZUELA 84.80

10. ABEGAEL PANCILES BACOL MANILA DOCTORS COLLEGE 84.60
RAMON CARLO ARPON BARING CENTRO ESCOLAR UNIVERSITY-MANILA 84.60
ROBERT IBEN BARIT MEDICAL COLLEGE OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES 84.60
LIVIA DEDOROY BARRIESES RIVERSIDE COLLEGE 84.60
MARIA VIRGINIA CINCO CUAYZON OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY-VALENZUELA 84.60
KATHLEEN ANNE PALANCA DE LEON CHINESE GENERAL HOSPITAL COLLEGE OF NURSING & LIBERAL ARTS 84.60
MARK ANTHONY SANTOS DE LUNA OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY-VALENZUELA 84.60
EDWIN SUAREZ DEL ROSARIO II UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 84.60
EUNICE PABLICO EMPEÑO UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 84.60
GREG ELY CAMBAYA FLORES OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY-QC 84.60
MARCIUS ANTONIUS BALCITA GACAYAN UNION CHRISTIAN COLLEGE 84.60
APRIL JOY DIANE GARING GALICIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY-PHILIPPINES-CABANATUAN CITY 84.60
MARY JOY SARROSA GARBANZOS UNIVERSITY OF SAINT LA SALLE 84.60
ANGELI PALISOC GARCIA TRINITY UNIVERSITY OF ASIA (TRINITY-QC) 84.60
SARA JANE JAIDE LABBAY ATENEO DE ZAMBOANGA 84.60
MICCA FLORES LAGLEVA UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 84.60
RAZEL MAE NACUA LIBOT CEBU NORMAL UNIVERSITY (CEBU STATE COLLEGE) 84.60
ALEXANDRA BASAÑEZ MACALINTAL ATENEO DE ZAMBOANGA 84.60
KRISTINE DE LA CRUZ MACASERO CEBU NORMAL UNIVERSITY (CEBU STATE COLLEGE) 84.60
CELESTE IMPERIAL MADUEÑO MANILA DOCTORS COLLEGE 84.60
SALLIE RIA DELOS SANTOS MALAYAN LYCEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES UNIVERSITY-MANILA 84.60
JAN PAULA ESPIRITU MARTINEZ UNIVERSIDAD DE MANILA (CITY COLL. OF MANILA) 84.60
KIMBERLY CHAN MENDOZA SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY 84.60
MARIE PAZ LACANLALAY NOLASCO MEDICAL COLLEGE OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES 84.60
ROBELOU LIZANO ONG FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY-MANILA 84.60
JODELLENE FERNANDEZ PEROCHO CENTRO ESCOLAR UNIVERSITY-MANILA 84.60
CLINTON ROSITA RABADON BICOL UNIVERSITY-POLANGUI 84.60
ERIKA GENINA DAVID RONQUILLO HOLY ANGEL UNIVERSITY 84.60
DIOLIZA MONTENEGRO SACIL UNIVERSIDAD DE SANTA ISABEL (COL DE STA ISABEL) 84.60
KATHERINE MEJIA VIACRUSIS TRINITY UNIVERSITY OF ASIA (TRINITY-QC) 84.60

Philippines leads world in number of web video viewers

PHILSTAR.COM


The Philippines is not only the texting capital of the world but also has the highest number of viewers of videos streamed over the Internet, according to a US-based social media agency.

The Philippines has more than four million active Internet users, 98.1 percent of whom watch shows on the Internet or higher than the global average of 82.8 percent, Universal McCann's Power to the People said in a recent survey.

China and Spain follow with 89.1 percent and 84.1 percent, respectively.

The survey involved 22,729 Internet users and was conducted in 38 countries to netizens between 16 and 54 years old.

Aside from watching shows, the survey also showed that about 67. 51 percent of Filipinos — almost double the global average of 35 percent — are fond of uploading or sharing videos over the net and just trails behind South Korea which is the most active in uploading videos.

"Majority of our Internet users likewise maintain social networking accounts. About 3.9 million Filipinos manage a social network profile," Universal McCann said.

The result was achieved despite the Philippines' relatively low number of households connected to the web, it said.

Universal McCann said the country only has 21.5 percent Internet penetration, significantly lower than the 86 percent web penetration of Norway. Norway has the highest penetration.

Earlier this month, a study released by US-based technology and social media news blog Mashable.com showed that the Philippines is still the text messaging capital of the world with Filipinos having sent an average of 600 text messages per month last year.

Miss Universe 2010 Question and Answer Top 5 contestant

Miss Philippines EVENING GOWN!!VENUS RAJ

MARIA VENUS RAJ, 22, PHILIPPINES

Miss Universe 2010 Preliminary Swimsuit Competition - Venus Raj, PHILIPP...

Miss Philippines/Universe 4th Runner Up Ma. Venus Raj

starmomemter.com

Maria Venus Bayonito Raj (born July 7, 1988) is our country’s representative to the Miss Universe pageant. She was crowned Binibining Pilipinas Universe on March 06, 2010 during the pageant’s Grand Coronation Night at the Araneta Coliseum.

Maria Venus Raj was previously dethroned by the pageant’s organizers (BPCI) citing alleged “inconsistencies” between her birth certificate and the personal account of her birth. During which, Maria Venus Raj was briefly replaced by second runner-up Helen Nicolette Henson. A first runner-up candidate Diane Elaine S. Necio was only 17 years old and did not yet meet the age requirement policies of Miss Universe. Raj’s sudden dethronement and also the questionable ineligibility of the first runner up candidate caused a heavy uproar among her supporters. Some fans conducted online petitions, signature campaigns, Facebook fan pages, blogs, forums and petition letters to BPCI Miss Universe Organization to report the irregularities.

In April 10, 2010, the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) reversed their decision. Citing “humanitarian reasons” the BPCI allowed Maria Venus Raj to reclaim her title pending correction of her birth certificate. It was also an additional requirement that Maria Venus Raj legally obtain of a valid Philippine passport as proof of her true citizenship. In May 19, 2010, the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued a Philippine passport to Maria Venus Raj thereby attesting to her Filipino citizenship. According to the Department of Foreign Ministry stated that Maria Venus Raj is a Philippine citizen by virtue of the jus sanguinis principle (“right of blood”), a basic right provided by the Philippine Constitution which bestows upon a person the citizenship of his father or mother regardless of where the person was born.

Maria Venus Raj was illegitimately born out of wedlock in Doha, Qatar. Upon separation of her parents, Maria Venus Raj was taken to Bato, Camarines Sur in Bicol, Philippines as an infant and was registered by an aunt as Philippine-born to Roman Catholic parents—a Filipino mother and an Indian father . It was her mother, a former tenant farmer and dressmaker who brought Maria Venus Raj up as a child.

Maria Venus Raj lived in a nipa hut made of wood, bamboo and anahaw leaves with no electricity in the middle of a sprawling rice field in the rural Bato town for more than twenty years. She allegedly used rice paddy dikes for her early training where she eventually developed her distinct catwalk.

The youngest among five children, Maria Venus Raj started joining local beauty pageants at 17 years old. She also joined oratorical contests at San Vicente High School where her english teacher served as her coach. With her victories in major contests, Venus Raj had started to buy land on installment basis for her mother as a means of improving their livelihood.

Maria Venus Raj obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications Arts, major in Journalism, at Bicol University in Albay, with Latin honors (Cum Laude). She graduated through the scholarship that she received from Francis Papica Foundation. Back in the Philippines, she works as an Information Assistant for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region V. In addition to this, she also works as a part-time fashion model.

Ma. Venus Raj is believed by pageant experts around the world as one of the front-runners for the Miss Universe 2010 crown based on the preliminaries last week. She is set to shatter the decade-long drought of the Philippines for not placing in the prestigious beauty pageant.

CONGRATULATION VENUS WE MAKE YOU PROUD!

President Aquino's statement on the Manila hostage crisis

GMA NEWS

With the rest of the Filipino people, I wish to offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims whose lives were lost in the hostage situation at the Quirino Grandstand. The Secretary of Foreign Affairs has conveyed our deep feelings of sorrow to the Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China and the people of Hong Kong through Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang. I have tasked Secretaries Soliman and Lim to provide everything necessary for the recovery and return home of the survivors. I have directed the fullest cooperation with the Hong Kong authorities on the part of our officials.

From the onset of this incident, the hostage-taker seemed to not be belligerent, as shown by the release of hostages. These were encouraging signs.

We were going to wait him out. The idea was to let the ground commanders who are the experts in this field handle the operation with minimal interference from people who are less expert.

But the situation deteriorated rapidly when, during the course of the negotiations, he was given the letter of the Ombudsman in which she promised to personally review his case. As he was reading the contents of the letter, while talking to an unknown individual on the phone, he became increasingly agitated.

The presence of his brother also added to the tension.

At this point, he threatened to kill a hostage. The police decided to remove the brother from the scene. As the negotiators were departing, the negotiators were shot at.

Media coverage of his brother being taken into custody further agitated the hostage-taker.

Shots were fired. They seemed to be warning shots, as there was no audible indication of tumult or chaos to show that the hostages were in immediate danger.

Nonetheless, the negotiators tried to reestablish contact with the hostage-taker but they were unsuccessful as the cellphone of the hostage-taker was continuously busy. He also refused to answer the throw-phone provided for him by the authorities.

The escape of the driver, combined with his reports that the hostages were being harmed, forced the assault to happen. When the vehicle began to move, and with reports that he had hand grenades, a decision was made to immobilize the vehicle as it would have made the situation even more dangerous.

As we know, the incident tragically ended in the deaths of eight innocent civilians.

We expect more of the facts to come to light and I have ordered Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to thoroughly lead this review.

WHY EVEN I LOVE YOU (tula na ako ang may akda)

Im not expected, this would be happen to me
Alone, thinking of you,every night and day
It makes me hurt not because i hate you
Its because I miss you and I love you

Being a friend on how you treated me
A great experience from a great person like you
On the first day, i didnt know
Because i didn't believe that its true

Until that friendship comes into end
Its broke my heart, my entire heart
Because I love you and I need you
More than you ever know

Sleepless night, i keep on waiting
Im terrible excited once my phone beeps
Expecting that you are the reason
I felt sad, hopeless, thjat you'll be back again

Until you say goodbye, that makes me cry
Cry from my heart not from my eyes
You leave mewithout any chance from me
To say I LOVE YOU before you go...


MISSIN YOU SO MUCH

KAIBIGAN (tula na ako ang may akda)

Image via Wikipedia

sanz and len para sa inyo to medyo korni but i try to made this for u guys,,thank you for being the best..till next time.

K- ay bilis ng mga pangyayari,
mga bagay na hindi ko mawari,

A- ng lahat ng iyon nag-umpisa sa inyo
sa katulad ninyo'ng nagmula sa malayo

I- tong pangyayari hindi sukat akalain
sa isang iglap, nawala ng lahat

B- agay na hidi ko napaghandaan
sa dahilang kayganda ng ating samahan

I- big kong magtanong kung bakit ganun?
sa kabila ng lahat di alam ang solusyon

G- inusto kong manahimik, para sa inyo
kung dun ka masaya,gagawin ko

A- anhin ko ang tumawa at magsaya
kung kayo ang dahilan, upang ako ay sumigla

N- awa'y masaya kayo sa naging desisiyon
ang iwan ako, salamat kung gayon.


KAIBIGAN, sa uulitin.......................

Why Sex is important before marriage

What's Willie's favorite number, 5 or 7?

Image by ~C4Chaos via Flickr

FUNFARE By Ricardo F. Lo
PHILSTAR.COM

"What is Willie Revillame’s (of the defunct Wowowee which was recently “cremated”) favorite number: 5, 7 or none of the above?

If you bet on No. 5, you win P80-M per month with a five-year guarantee, plus control of whatever “business” you want to put up. In short, you’re the boss, you call the shots and you are not beholden to anybody but yourself.

If you bet on No. 7, you win P70-M per month but you become just a partner of the “business” if ever you decide to invest your “winnings” on it.

Both are very tempting, isn’t it? It’s the kind of situation that calls for you to weigh the pros and cons very carefully."

if you has given a chance to be as willie revillame in one day what would you choose?

Cop allegedly in torture video was 'violent, arrogant'

abs-cbnNEWS.com



MANILA, Philippines - More cases of abuse concerning the police official allegedly at the center of the torture video taken inside a police station in Tondo, are coming out.

Inspector Joselito Binayug, who was relieved as chief of the Asuncion, Tondo police precinct, headed an outpost of the Philippine National Police (PNP) that covered Divisoria and areas of Tondo where cases of theft and hold-ups are common.

Binayug's superior, Superintendent Ferdinand Quirante, said Binayug had "no problems" in controlling his assigned area.

"He handled his place na talagang he is on the top of the situation, addressing of course, iyong anti-criminality," Quirante said.

"Violent"

However, some residents of Tondo alleged Binayug had a reputation of being violent, saying he acted like he was the ruler of the place.

"Abusado po talaga 'yan sir... kasi po kapag [naka-tambay] lang po kami dito eh pinapalo ang mga tricycles, pati po 'yong mga driver," a resident said.

"Sa pila nga namin ho eh, kinukuhanan pa [ng kotong], eh magkano lang ho ang kita namin.. kinikikilan pa kami," another resident alleged.

Residents said they were not surprised when the video was released.

"Minsan, isang beses, isang bata - pinapalo ng kawayan... siguro, baka jumper o salisi, pinapalo ng kawayan," a resident recalled.

Some of Binayug's alleged victims have also surfaced.

"Ginawa nila Binayug, pati 'yong nanay po ni Gilbert [a resident suspected of snatching], kinaladkad nila," a resident said.

Numerous cases

Investigation by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the National Police Commission (Napolcom) revealed Binayug has numerous cases filed against him.

The cases include robbery with extortion, 2 cases of serious neglect of duty, and grave misconduct.

"Maaari nating i-correlate siguro iyong mga complainants doon sa mga kasong naka-file laban sa kanya, kung mayroon bang sense o link sa mga akusasyon laban sa kanya," Atty. Owen De Luna, chief Napolcom Investigator, said.

Despite these, Binayug has earned 10 medals in a span of 10 years, including the PNP Badge of Honor, bestowed upon him by former National capital Region Police Office chief Roberto Rosales last May 2009.

Binayug did not speak to ABS-CBN News about the allegations against him.

However, the Manila Police District (MPD) said they will make sure Binayug will face the charges levied against him.

"Sabi niya, he's prepared. Hindi siya magco-comment sa video, pero ang sabi niya sa akin, he is willing to face the investigation," said Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay, MPD director. Reporting by Ron Gagalac, ABS-CBN News

Police responsible for torture must be prosecuted

By Amnesty International



The Philippine government should ensure that police officers responsible for torture shown in a video broadcast yesterday in the national media, are brought to justice, Amnesty International said today (August 18).

A video released yesterday to the Philippine media showed a plainclothes police officer torturing a suspect apparently held for petty theft in a police station, as uniformed police officers looked on. The video prompted the authorities to suspend all 11 officers of the Tondo precinct in Manila, who are now under investigation by Manila police authorities.

The footage showed the suspect naked, being yanked by a cord attached to his genitals, and whipped with rope. The anonymous informant who leaked the video said to Philippine media that this type of degrading treatment was commonplace in police stations.

“The Philippine National Police leadership have recently claimed that almost the entire police force have undergone human rights training. However this message seems to have been lost in practice,” said Donna Guest, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for the Asia-Pacific.

The Manila police station footage comes in the wake of recent allegations of police torture of five detainees held on suspicion of involvement in the Communist armed insurgency in the northern province of Pampanga. In a media interview while in detention, one of the detainees, Lenin Salas, revealed severe bruising and cigarette burns that he said were results of torture and other ill-treatment by the police.

Amnesty International is urging the Philippine government to investigate these cases under the new Anti-torture Law, passed in July 2009. The government has yet to prosecute anyone under the law.

The Tondo police station case and the Lenin Salas allegations are the first reports of torture under the new administration of President Benigno Aquino.

“This is the right time for the Aquino administration to take a stand against torture, by showing that perpetrators, particularly police officers who have been sworn to serve and protect the people, will be prosecuted,” said Donna Guest.

Protection of human rights was one of Aquino’s key campaign promises, but Amnesty International is concerned that he has not done enough in the first fifty days of the administration.

For example rather than establishing the promised “human rights superbody” to conduct investigations on all reported cases of political killings, Aquino’s government has established a ‘Truth Commission’, which will only focus on allegations of corruption by the previous administration, with no remit to examine human rights

POLICE TORTURED here in the PHILIPPINES

Image via Wikipedia

YAHOO NEWS!

MANILA (AFP) - – The Philippines' independent rights body launched a probe into the national police amid public outrage over a cellphone video showing an officer torturing a naked man.

The graphic video, which ABS-CBN television said it obtained from an unidentified informant, shows the officer in civilian clothes beating the man with what appears to be a stick.

A rope appears to be tied to the victim's penis, which the torturer yanks in between blows to the body.

"This is very disturbing. They treated him worse than an animal," said Coco Quisumbing, chairwoman of the country's Commission on Human Rights, who has reviewed the clip.

"This is the very first time that this happened (actual torture caught on video) and it is groundbreaking.

"Police should now submit to our investigation in a timely manner," she said on ABS-CBN's radio affiliate.

While allegations of torture and extra-judicial killings carried out by the police and military are nothing new, Tuesday's airing of the video was the first time such an incident was shown on public television.

ABS-CBN did not say when it took place, and the fate of the victim was unclear.

One of those who had closely reviewed the clip at the rights commission said she could hear the torturer berating the victim as a criminal.

Manila police commander Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay said the incident appeared to have taken place in a police station under his jurisdiction.

He confirmed that the torturer was a police officer who had since been relieved of his post and was now under investigation related to possible criminal charges.

"There is no place for a policeman like that," he said.



youtube video by PNOYWatcher..THANKYOU

Ikaw Pa Rin (Japanese Version) cant search the lyrics

IKAW PA RIN a song send by a great friend

Ikaw Pa Rin lyrics

Ilang araw na kitang hinahanap at wala ka
Sang linggo nang nakalipas di' ka pa rin nagpapakita
Pano kung bigla ka lang iiwas at mawawala
Di' to matatanggap ng buong buhay koooo
Nais kong malaman mo na ikaw lang ang nsa puso ko
At khit na anong mangyari ikaw pa rin ang iibigin ko

Ilang gabi na akong d makatulog sa kakaisp
Lahat ng oras nasa iyo
Di' mo parin npapansin
Pano kung bigla ka lang iiwas at mawawala
Di' to matatanggap ng buong buhay kooooo
Nais kong malaman mo na ikaw lang ang nsa puso ko
At khit n anong mangyari ikaw p rin ang iibigin ko

[interlude]

Sana lang ay maunawaan mo ang nasa isip ko
Gagawin ko ang lahat para lang sa iyoo

Nais kong malaman mo na ikaw lang ang nsa puso ko
At khit n anong mangyari ikaw p rin ang iibigin ko

Nais kong malaman mo na ikaw lang ang nsa puso ko
At khit n anong mangyari ikaw p rin ang iibigin ko

Top 10 Facebook users in the world (philippines on 7th place)

Image via Wikipedia

Following are the top 10 users of Facebook worldwide as of August 10, 2010:

1. United States: 128,936,800
2. United Kingdom: 27,479,020
3. Indonesia: 26,792,780
4. Turkey: 23,199,180
5. France: 19,416,060
6. Italy: 16,858,340
7. Philippines: 15,935,880
8. Canada: 15,756,400
9. Mexico: 14,535,020
10. India: 12,608,840

Philippines is 6th top user of Twitter

Image via Wikipedia

ABS-CBNNEWS.COM

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines was named 6th top user of the social networking site Twitter, a study released this week revealed. Twitter penetration was highest in Indonesia, followed by Brazil, Venezuela, Netherlands, and Japan.

The report was released by comScore, Inc., which measures the digital world.

According to the study, there were nearly 93 million Internet users aged 15 and older who visited Twitter.com in June this year. This was an increase of 109% from last year's figures.

“Twitter.com has experienced an explosion in global traffic over the past year, establishing itself as one of the most-visited social networking sites across each of the five worldwide regions,” said Graham Mudd, comScore vice president for search and media.

“Today nearly 3 out of 4 global Internet users access social networking sites each month, making it one of the most ubiquitous activities across the web. As more users around the world have become acquainted with connecting and expressing themselves through social media, it has created an environment where new media like Twitter can emerge globally in a relatively short period of time,” Mudd added.

Latin America had the strongest audience growth, with Twitter users in June 2010 numbering 15.4 million, representing a 305% growth from June 2009. The growth of Twitter users in Venezuela was attributed to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's decision to join Twitter last April.

The fastest-growing region in terms of Twitter users is Asia Pacific, with 25.1 million visitors in June 2010, a 243% increase over June 2009 figures.

An analysis by comScore showed Twitter is gaining popularity among smartphone users in the US and Europe.

Some 8.3% of smartphone users in the US, or 4.2 million people, accessed Twitter.com in a month.

Meanwhile, in Europe, 2.8% of smartphone users overall, or 1.7 million users, accessed the social networking site.

try to watch this short film

Ramadan fasting starts today in Mindanao

Image via Wikipedia

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1510:ramadan-fasting-starts-today-in-mindanao&catid=81:moro-news&Itemid=372

August 12, 2010 - The first day of fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan will start today, August 12, after the Darul Ifta headed by Sheikh Omar Pasigan failed to see the moon last August 10. There was cloud in the sky that blocked the naked eye from sighting of the crescent moon.

Mufti Pasigan made the official announcement over Cotabato City’s Radio Station DXMY that fasting will start Thursday, after all groups assigned to sight the moon from all over Mindanao and Sulu reported negative sighting.

He also appealed to storeowners, fish vendors, and vegetable dealers not to raise the prices of their commodities in time for the fasting month.


Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and sexual activities from dawn until sunset. Fasting is intended to teach Muslims about patience, humility and spirituality and is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of God and to offer more prayer than usual. During Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.

The first verse of the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) during this month of Ramadan.

Allah says in the Qur'an: "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may learn self-restraint." (2:183).

Allah also says in another verse of the Qur’an: “Fasting for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will, it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.” (2:184)

Fasting is one of five pillars of Islam. The other four are as follows:

·Faith or belief in the Oneness of God and the finality of the prophethood of Muhammad;

·Establishment of the five daily prayers;

·Payment of zakat (poor’s due) to be given to the needy;

·The pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able.

5 Reasons Women Stay With Men Who Hurt Them

if you’ve been saying these lines for too long but see no improvement in your relationship, it may be time to let go.

1. “I’ll be the one to change him.”

Rita, 23, an executive assistant, already knew that Andre, 26, was a notorious playboy when they went steady. “I thought, nung naging kami, it was the end of his player days,” she says. “Ok naman during the first three months. But when someone told me that he was seeing not just one, but two of his ex-girlfriends, I was in denial. As far as I knew, iba ako.” It wasn’t until Andre himself broke up with her because he got an ex-girlfriend pregnant that Rita realized she had wasted her time. “We can only change ourselves,” stresses family therapist Malyn Cristobal. “In the end, it’s really the person who decides [to change].”

2. “My love will change him.”

“I thought if I loved him enough or if I did something, then he would realize that he needed to change,” says Pia, who had to put up with her boyfriend Nick’s constant lying. “So, I tried to give him everything...I’m the type naman na bigay lahat.” The problem doesn’t lie on whether you have loved him enough, but whether he wants to change or not. If he does not, there’s nothing you can do about it. It was only when Pia discovered on her own that Nick was < ahref="/love-lust/relationships/3-reasons-a-man-cheats/" mce_href="/love-lust/relationships/3-reasons-a-man-cheats/" target="_blank">seeing several other women that she realized that “the problem wasn’t mine.”

3. “He says he loves me, so he’ll change for me.”

People change for themselves, not for other people. The same is true in relationships. “He says that he has never loved anyone as much as he loves me,” confides Angela, 24, a call center agent, of her boyfriend and live-in partner Gino. That’s why she is patiently waiting for Gino, who’s in-between jobs and wholly depends on her financially, to “reform.” It’s a misconception that love can actually change or fix a person. “The person will change when he is ready to change,” says Cristobal.

4. “It will get better as time passes.”

Eunice, 26, a banker, was the battered wife of Paul, 29, for three years. “I kept hoping that the situation would get better with time...that Paul would mellow down,” she says now. “He never did.”

How many women have languished in bad, emotionally and physically damaging relationships with the mistaken notion that time will be the cure? It will get better with time--if a physically abusive partner makes an actual, concrete effort to change, such as getting professional help or marriage counseling.

5. “He needs me.”

Lissa, 25, a customer service officer, could not break off with Mark, 25, who has been on drugs during the two years they’ve been together. “I can’t leave him now,” Lissa says. “Baka tuluyang masira ‘yung buhay niya.” In the meantime, it’s her life that gets ruined every time Mark forces her to take drugs as well.

Often, a person remains in a bad relationship thinking that the other cannot function without her. Some women actually thrive in relationships where their partners are heavily dependent on them. As Cristobal points out, it’s an illusion people with very low self-esteem choose to believe in. “Either she gets out or tolerates it,” says Cristobal. “If you know there’s a problem, yet you allow it to happen, then you have a bigger problem.”


COSMO.PH

UAAP Season 72 cheerdance competition

Champion: Far Eastern University Cheering Squad



First Runner Up: Ateneo's Blue Babble Battallion



Second Runner Up: University of the Philippines Pep Squad

Rodelio Dondon Lanuza- "I'm a PRISONER ALSO! In DEATHROW! Sa K.S.A.!"

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/88682/OFW-on-death-row-seeks-help-for-kids-education

On the brink of being executed, overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Rodelio “Dondon" Lanuza still thinks of the welfare of his two children.

Dondon is on the email list, along with that of the media, of Migrante International. Thus, Dondon was able to take the opportunity to email those in the loop to seek financial help for the education and welfare of his two children.

His email read: “Dear Countrymen, greetings! I would want to take advantage po sa loop na ito. I'm a PRISONER ALSO! In DEATHROW! Sa K.S.A.! If you are in doubt po, please feel free and have a moment to check my name: Rodelio Dondon Lanuza in Yahoo or in Google search po to prove my claim. My family is in dire needs po. I have 2 kids. Im appealing some financial assistance po for the education and welfare of my kids. Im an OFW po na nasa deathrow! Im begging you all here for help po for God's sake. Im hoping for your immediate reply and consideration po. God bless po."

Dondon has been languishing in the Dammam Jail since August 2000 after the Dammam Grand Court in Saudi Arabia sentenced him to death by beheading on 10 June 2002 for killing a Saudi Arabian national.

In a follow-up email, he said, “I would like to request from your kindness some financial assistance which I’m having difficulty of soliciting from others. I've been confined here in Dammam Central Jail since August 2000 and my resources has all turned their backs on me even my family, closest and considered friends which has helped me for the SEVEN years. They cannot be blamed for they also have their own families to support of course...Any substantial amount would really be a big help for me and my wife who is in dire straits as of the moment...My wife is here in K.S.A. also but her meager salary can't cope with our daily living..."

Meribeth, Dondon’s wife, is also in Saudi Arabia working as a nurse.

Limited OWWA scholarship

In an email, Dondon told Bulatlat that his two children are currently in first year high school and grade five in Cavite.

At the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) website, qualified beneficiaries or dependents of OWWA member-OFWs can avail of scholarships through the Education for Development Scholarship Program and the Tuloy-Aral Project.

Under the Education for Development Scholarship Program, only children of a married OWWA member who is still below 21 years old or a brother/sister of an unmarried OWWA member whose average grade is at least 80 and belongs to the upper 20 percent of the graduating class, can apply for the scholarship. It is given in the form of a P 30,000.00 ($718 at an exchange rate of $1=P41.6financial assistance per semester.

On the other hand, the Tuloy-Aral Project aims to assist children of less fortunate former OFWs. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE0 and the OWWA regional offices, with the assistance of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), facilitate the selection of the beneficiary.

Bulatlat inquired, over the phone, at the OWWA regarding the possibility of Lanuza’s children availing of the scholarship.

Reggie Nieto of the Scholarship and Training Unit told Bulatlat that the OWWA could not offer scholarships for the Lanuza children. Nieto said Lanuza’s membership would be evaluated first, noting that the scholarship is only for active OWWA members and that the membership is valid for two years. In Dondon’s case, he was already in a Saudi jail since 2000 or nearly eight years.

And although Dondon’s wife is also an OFW, Nieto said that OWWA only offers scholarships for incoming college students.

To avail of the scholarship, Nieto said the children should first apply for it, and submit all the requirements. All applicants need to take an examination given by OWWA. From the examinees nationwide, only the top 100 will be granted the scholarship for that year.

Eliminating the two programs as options for the Lanuza children, Nieto said OWWA could offer them a two-week basic computer training course under the Bridge Education Program. It provides OFWs and their families information technology (IT) training and access to technology “that will enhance their chances of finding work," as well as enable them to communicate with their love ones abroad through the internet.

Concern

Dondon even sent solicitation letters to politicians for his and his families needs. He said he sent solicitation letters to Senators Mar Roxas and Jinggoy Estrada but was turned down.

“Ang sabi po ay wala daw po sila maitutulong sa financial problem ko" (They said they could not help with my financial problems), he said, referring the replies he received.

“Nanawagan po ako kahit saan. Ang main concern ko po ay ang education at welfare ng 2 kids ko" (I am appealing to everybody. My main concern is for the education and welfare of my two kids), his email to Bulatlat read. “PLEASE HELP ME FIND A PERSON PO NA MAGPI-FINANCE SA EDUCATION NG 2 KIDS KO."

Dondon gave his contact details (donlanuza@gmail.com, donlanuza@yahoo.com), and mobile numbers +966551028601 and +966531181904, and a sister’s contact number in Cavite) for those who can lend him a hand.

Meanwhile, aside from Dondon’s email, Bulatlat also received another email from a certain Paul Padua asking for help in behalf of Dondon’s children.

“I wrote to Bulatlat a couple of weeks ago, now I would like to ask if you can help Rodelio Lanuza's family in any way possible, either through money or better yet, basic needs for his 2 children in Cavite. They need our support, they don’t have both set of parents, who unfortunately, one of them in transit to sadly, a destination that we don’t know yet for a moment. I am appealing that if you can spread the word to everyone at home or NGO's who have the kindest of heart to help. It can be in the form of canned goods, clothing or basic homewares like plates, or utensils for the kitchen, blankets and pillows for them to sleep on or used clothing."

Padua’s email further wrote, “I am in strong support of your cause to help our OFWs who are stranded in other countries and as much as we don’t want to believe that these things happen, they do. I just don’t know who should be blamed first, our government or the weak international policies that turn a blind eye to these real occurrences of inhumanities that happen specifically to a group of people trying to earn a living." - Bulatlat

call center agents 101 on news

Image by nina_theevilone via Flickr

Life is a blast for employees of call centers inq7.net


MANILA, Philippines—Daybreak is happy hour in a world turned upside down at a trendy bar in Makati City’s financial district, the clientele young and loud and with a vague California accent.

Vodka cruisers and beer fly by the bucketful as good friends Cici, Pau and Jels go off-duty along with the rest of the night shift in the nation’s half-million strong business process outsourcing (BPO) workforce.

Even the hors d’oeuvres are edgy—“drunken” shrimp and green mango soaked in pale pilsen—reflecting the punishing lifestyles of the partygoers.

“I used to drink eight bottles of Red Horse at a time and still find my way home,” 28-year-old Cici said, discussing a local brew known for its high alcohol content and often called “The Devil’s Own Juice.”

The group of young women really let their hair down on Saturdays, hitting bars, beaches or shopping malls all day so they can socialize with friends outside the industry and sleep at least for one night like a normal person.

Life in many ways is a blast for the young, single and educated in the outsourcing industry.

Perks and bonuses

Entry-level jobs bring salaries of P13,462.50 ($300) a month with the promise of triple pay after a few years’ experience—good wages in a country where a third of the population live on the equivalent of P45 ($1) a day.

Jobs are plentiful and can come with generous perks, such as 13th- and 14th-month pay, performance bonuses and free medical insurance.

And the outsourcing industry—which has soaked up millions of call center, accounting and other back-office jobs from the developed world—is becoming an increasingly vital part of the nation’s economy.

The BPO industry’s 500,000 Filipino employees are the world’s second biggest outsourcing workforce behind India.

The industry’s revenues, which already account for 5 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, are growing at double digit rates annually, according to the Business Processing Association of the Philippines.

Early burnout

On a more micro-level, entire 24/7 service industries—including convenience stores, bars and fast-food restaurants—have sprung up around the new office towers to serve the needs of the booming sector.

However, there are concerns about the way the industry is reshaping young adult society, as well as the pressures the workers face as they remotely help customers and clients on the other side of the world.

The odd hours, irate clients, tedious workloads and performance demands often drive staff—particularly call center workers—to early burnout.

Cici, Pau and Jels—who spoke on condition their surnames were not used—are castaways from earlier call center jobs.

“Sometimes, you would be handling 300 calls at once and 150 others would be on hold. You don’t have a moment’s rest,” said Pau, 32, who graduated to a higher paying job handling office equipment procurement for US companies.

She said call center staff typically got only two 15-minute cigarette breaks either side of a 30-minute meal break every eight-hour shift.

Angry customers

Cici said one of the hardest parts of call center work was simply dealing with customers angry at having to speak with someone on the other side of the world.

“One customer said: ‘I don’t wanna talk to you. I want to talk to an American’ … I cried,” Cici said.

And while Filipino BPO workers earn 53 percent more than same-age workers in other industries, one in three quit every year, according to an International Labor Organization study released last month.

The turnover rate is four times the national average.

“Five years in one job is a long time in this industry,” Cici said.

New world

The arrival of the BPO industry a decade ago also brought about changes in values, diets, and sexual practices, according to Josefina Natividad, a professor with the University of the Philippines’ Population Institute.

“What shocked us most was that for both call center and non-call center workers the level of premarital sex was very high,” she said, citing a health and lifestyle survey on young Filipinos completed by her team this year.

Heavy drinking and smoking, rising childbirths out of wedlock, and high consumption of junk food also stood out.

“The world is different now, and the single thing driving this I’m sure is technology,” Natividad said.

Both Cici and Pau said they had heard similar stories in the call center office they used to work at, which have beds in rest areas for exhausted staff.

“Our sleeping quarters were for both sexes. Some of my friends told me that there were certain things that happened there,” Cici said.

Few options

The trend has worrying implications on public health, said Teresita Marie Bagasao, the country official for the United Nations Joint UN Program on HIV/AIDS.

Most new HIV infections now occur among young Filipinos, compared with the 1990s when the country’s large overseas-based work force, including sailors, was the main risk group, Bagasao said.

Despite the stresses and risks, those in the industry see few other options in a country where the only way they would earn that kind of money would be to join the exodus of Filipinos working abroad.

Jels said she had earned enough in five years in the industry to pay a deposit on a condominium unit, and said her priority now was to hopefully start a family.

“I want a boyfriend. And I want a family and a baby in two or three years’ time,” said the 29-year-old worker.
Agence France-Presse

CREDITS:
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100809-285707/Life-is-a-blast-for-employees-of-call-centers

PAGCOR from govt own to private sector?

By Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News



MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III on Monday said he is seriously considering a proposal to privatize the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) after receiving a US$10 billion offer from the group of San Miguel Corp. vice-chairman Ramon Ang.

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the 43rd ASEAN Foundation Day in the Department of Foreign Affairs, Aquino said the $10 billion offer is "a very interesting proposal. But at the same time we have to study the proposal first."

He said the government is still reviewing PAGCOR's books and operations amid reports of various irregularities in the government agency.

“There are so many allegations with regards to PAGCOR. You have to ensure that if you intend to sell something, it is at the best price we can get,” Aquino said.

He earlier said he had noticed the proliferation of gaming establishment in places where there are fewer tourists such as Cavite and Tarlac.

"You are all witnesses to a proliferation of so many gaming establishments and some of them I don’t agree with. There are zero tourists in the particular area yet there exists a gaming facility that should target the tourism industry,” he said.

The 41-casino chain reported a 2008 net income of P29.62 billion ($640 million).

Under the terms of its franchise, half of PAGCOR's income goes straight to the national budget, with the balance going to host cities, a fund controlled by the president's office, and various taxes.

Sen. Sergio Osmeña III earlier said he is in favor of privatizing the business part of PAGCOR that runs casinos to avoid a monopoly of the gambling business.

"The big anomaly is that we have these two duties cited under one body. So there's a conflict of interest," he said.

In a separate interview, former PAGCOR chairman Ephraim Genuino said he does not oppose the Aquino government's privatization plan, but noted that the move could affect up to 13,000 employees.

He said small casinos, poker clubs, small betting stations and VIP clubs are already being operated by private parties, with PAGCOR getting 25-40% of profits. with Agence France-Presse

Ramadan

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ramadan (Arabic: رمضان‎ Ramaḍān, Arabic pronunciation: [rɑmɑdˤɑːn]) (also Ramazan, Ramzan, Ramadhan, Ramdan, Ramadaan) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and sexual activities from dawn until sunset.[1] Fasting is meant to teach the Muslim patience, modesty and spirituality. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of God (Arabic: الله‎, trans: Allah) and to offer more prayer than usual. During Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds. As compared to the solar calendar, the dates of Ramadan vary, moving backwards about ten days each year as it is a moving holiday depending on the moon. Ramadan was the month in which the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Islamic Prophet Muhammad.

Origins of Ramadan

The name "Ramadan" had been the name of the ninth month in Arabian culture long before the arrival of Islam; the word itself derived from an Arabic root rmḍ, as in words like "ramiḍa" or "ar-ramaḍ" denoting intense heat,[3] scorched ground and shortness of rations. In the Qu'ran, God proclaims that "fasting has been written down (as obligatory) upon you, as it was upon those before you". According to the earliest hadith, this refers to the Jewish practice of fasting on Yom Kippur.[4][5]

Sometimes referred to as "the night of decree or measures", Laylat al-Qadr is considered the most holy night of the year, as it is the night in which the Qur'an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW).[6] Muslims believe it to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan, either the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th (in Sunni thought) or the 19th, 21st or 23rd (in Shi'a thought). Ramadan ends with Eid ul-Fitr on the 1 of Shawwal, with much celebration and feasting. During the month following Ramadan, called Shawwal, Muslims are encouraged to fast for a further six days, known as as-Sitta al-Bīḍ, or "the white six." When fasting is over, Muslims go to mosques in formal clothes to pray the first Eid prayer. They give out presents to the young ones and greet their friends and families. They then thank God for what He has given them.

Practices during Ramadan

Fasting


The most prominent event of this month is fasting. Every day during the month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world get up before dawn to eat Sahur or Sehri or Sahari (meaning "something we eat at Sahar"), then they perform the fajr (or Sobh) prayer. They have to stop eating and drinking before the call for prayer starts until the fourth prayer of the day, Maghrib. Muslims break their fast at Maghrib (at sunset) prayer time with a meal called Iftar. Muslims may continue to eat and drink after the sun has set until the next morning's fajr prayer call. Then the process starts all over.

Ramadan is a time of reflecting and worshiping God. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Sexual activities during fasting hours are also forbidden.[7] Purity of both thoughts and actions is important. The fast is intended to be an exacting act of deep personal worship in which Muslims seek a raised awareness of closeness to God.

The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. It also allows Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control,[8] sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity (Zakat).

Muslims should start observing the fasting ritual upon reaching the age of puberty, so long as they are healthy, sane and have no disabilities or illnesses. The elderly, the chronically ill, and the mentally ill are exempt from fasting, although the first two groups must endeavor to feed the poor in place of their missed fasting. People who are travelling long distances do not have to fast. Also exempt are pregnant women, women during the period of their menstruation, and women nursing their newborns. A difference of opinion exists among Islamic scholars as to whether this last group must make up the days they miss at a later date, or feed poor people as a recompense for days missed.[10] While fasting is not considered compulsory in childhood, many children endeavour to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life. Lastly, those traveling (musaafir) are exempt, but must make up the days they miss.[11] More specifically, Twelver Shī‘ah define those who travel more than 40 mi (64 km) in a day as exempt.[9]

The elderly or those who suffer from a disability or disease and have no prospect of getting better in the future can pay the cost of Iftar for a person who cannot afford it, or else they can host such a person in their house and have him eat with them after sunset as a way of repaying for the days they could not fast.[11]

A person who is observing Ramadan might break the fast accidentally, due to having forgotten it. In such an instance, one might spit out the food being eaten or cease the forbidden activity, immediately upon remembering the fast. This can usually happen in the early days of Ramadan because that person might have not yet been acclimated into fasting from dawn till dusk.

When Ramadan came to overshadow Ashura in importance, it took on some characteristics of the latter. According to a well-known hadith, the person who observes Ramadan properly will have all their past sins forgiven. According to another, "When Ramadan arrives, Heaven's gates are opened, Hell's gates are closed, Satan is chained up and jinns are also locked up" and who ever dies will enter paradise.

There are exceptions in certain Muslim communities that deny practising fasting in Ramadan such as Alevi people in Turkey.


Prayer and reading of the Qur'an

In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an. Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Qur'an by means of special prayers, called Tarawih, which are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Qur'an (Juz', which is 1/30 of the Qur'an) is recited. Therefore the entire Qur'an would be completed at the end of the month.

Ramadan is also a time when Muslims are to slow down from worldly affairs and focus on self-reformation, spiritual cleansing and enlightenment; this is to establish a link between themselves and God through prayer, supplication, charity, good deeds, kindness and helping others. Since it is a festival of giving and sharing, Muslims prepare special foods and buy gifts for their family and friends and for giving to the poor and needy who cannot afford it; this can involve buying new clothes, shoes and other items of need. There is also a social aspect involving the preparing of special foods and inviting people for Iftar.

In many Muslim and non-Muslim countries with large Muslim populations, markets close down in the evening to enable people to perform prayers and consume the Iftar meal – these markets then re-open and stay open for a good part of the night. Muslims can be seen shopping, eating, spending time with their friends and family during the evening hours.

Eid ul-Fitr

The Islamic holiday of Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic: عيد الفطر‎) marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and the first day of the following month, after another new moon has been sighted. The Eid falls after 29 or 30 days of fasting, per the lunar sighting. Eid ul-Fitr means the Festival of Breaking the Fast; a special celebration is made. Food is donated to the poor (Zakat al-fitr); everyone puts on their best, usually new, clothes; and communal prayers are held in the early morning, followed by feasting and visiting relatives and friends. The prayer is two Raka'ahs only, and it is optional (mustahabb) prayer as opposed to the compulsory five daily prayers. Muslims are expected to do this as an act of worship, and to thank God.

Determining the start date

Hilāl (the crescent) is typically a day (or more) after the astronomical new moon. Since the new moon indicates the beginning of the new month, Muslims can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan.[12]

The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was revealed, a guidance to men and clear proofs of the guidance and the Criterion. So whoever of you is present in the month, he shall fast therein, and whoever is sick or on a journey, (he shall fast) a (like) number of other days. Allah desires ease for you, and He desires not hardship for you, and (He desires) that you should complete the number and that you should exalt the greatness of Allah for having guided you and that you may give thanks.

--Qur'an 2:185

There are disagreements each year however on when Ramadan starts. This stems from Saudi traditions to sight the moon with the naked eye and as such there are differences for countries on opposite sides of the globe.[13] More recently however, more Muslims are leaning towards using astronomical calculations to avoid this confusion.

Penalties of eating in public during Ramadan daytime

In some Muslim countries, failing to fast or the open flouting of such behavior during Ramadan is considered a crime and is prosecuted as such. For instance, in Algeria, in October 2008 the court of Biskra condemned six people to four years in prison and heavy fines.[15]

In Kuwait, according to law number 44 of 1968 the penalty is a fine of no more than 100 Kuwaiti dinars, or jail for no more than one month, or both penalties, for those seen eating, drinking or smoking during Ramadan daytime.[16][17] In the U.A.E., eating or drinking during the daytime of Ramadan is considered a minor offence and would be punished by up to 240 hours of community service.

"International Burn a Quran Day" is this a reality of a new war between same people of God with different beliefs?

In protest of what it calls a religion "of the devil," a nondenominational church in Gainesville, Florida, plans to host an "International Burn a Quran Day" on the ninth anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks.

The Dove World Outreach Center says it is hosting the event to remember 9/11 victims and take a stand against Islam. With promotions on its website and Facebook page, it invites Christians to burn the Muslim holy book at the church from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m."We believe that Islam is of the devil, that it's causing billions of people to go to hell, it is a deceptive religion, it is a violent religion and that is proven many, many times," Pastor Terry Jones told CNN's Rick Sanchez earlier this week.

Jones wrote a book titled "Islam is of the Devil," and the church sells coffee mugs and shirts featuring the phrase.
Muslims and many other Christians -- including some evangelicals -- are fighting the initiative.

The church launched a YouTube channel to disseminate its messages.
"I mean ask yourself, have you ever really seen a really happy Muslim? As they're on the way to Mecca? As they gather together in the mosque on the floor? Does it look like a real religion of joy?" Jones asks in one of his YouTube posts.
"No, to me it looks like a religion of the devil."
The Islamic advocacy group Council on American-Islamic Relations called on Muslims and others to host "Share the Quran" dinners to educate the public during the monthlong fast of Ramadan beginning in August. In a news release, the group announced a campaign to give out 100,000 copies of the Quran to local, state and national leaders.

"American Muslims and other people of conscience should support positive educational efforts to prevent the spread of Islamophobia," said CAIR spokesman Ibrahim Hooper in the release.

The National Association of Evangelicals, the nation's largest umbrella evangelical group, issued a statement urging the church to cancel the event, warning it could cause worldwide tension between the two religions.

"The NAE calls on its members to cultivate relationships of trust and respect with our neighbors of other faiths. God created human beings in his image, and therefore all should be treated with dignity and respect," it said in the statement.
Dove's Facebook page, set up for the September event, has more than 1,600 fans.
"Eternal fire is the only destination the Quran can lead people to, so we want to put the Quran in it's [sic] place -- the fire!" the page says.

But another Facebook group with more than 3,100 fans says it stands "against the disrespect and intolerance that these people have for the Muslim people" and encourages people to report Dove's page to Facebook.

Targeting another group it calls "godless," the Dove center is also hosting a protest against Gainesville Mayor Craig Lowe, who is openly gay, on Monday at Gainesville's City Hall. The group previously fought -- unsuccessfully -- to derail Lowe's election campaign.

"We protest sexual perversion because the Bible protests it. ... What is acceptable to today's leadership becomes acceptable to tomorrow's society," the church says in its blog entry about the event.

Lowe and other government figures and media outlets received e-mails from the church about the event, The Gainesville Sun reported. Lowe isn't concerned with Monday's event.

"I've got other things to do," he said, The Sun reports.
On the outreach center's front lawn, alongside a sign reading "Aug. 2 Protest, No Homo Mayor, City Hall," stands not just one, but three signs bearing the slogan "Islam is of the Devil."
One of the signs -- one reading "Islam" on one side, "Devil" on the other -- was vandalized. On its blog last week, the church said the sign will be replaced.
"This is private property and vandalism is a crime here in America," the blog says. "In Islam, many actions that we consider to be crimes are encouraged, condoned or sheltered under Islamic teaching and practice, though. Another reason to burn a Quran."